A state senator has withdrawn a withdrawal motion, keeping alive a bill that some suspect might be aimed at keeping Gov. Dave Heineman from becoming President of the University of Nebraska.

Sen. Burke Harr of Omaha insisted LB 1075 is not aimed at the governor during flood debate on his motion to withdraw it.

Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha was suspicious about his reasons to withdraw it, though.

“Sen. Harr, did anybody from the governor’s office or representing the governor, ask you to withdraw this bill?” Chambers asked during floor debate.

“Great question. No,” Harr replied.

Then, Harr offered a proposal.

“I will pull this motion if you agree to work with me to find 10 co-sponsors.”

No work was necessary. Several senators stepped forward. Harr got his co-sponsors and he pulled his motion.

The bill would keep anyone with the power to appoint members to a public board, say a governor appointing regents to the University of Nebraska board, from being hired by that board, say for president of the university.